Balancing competition and sustainability: Strategic supply chain configurations in response to consumer low-carbon preferences

In the competitive landscape of supply chains, the strategic configuration of manufacturers and retailers has a significant impact on overall performance. This study analyzes three competitive structures in supply chain systems: centralized (CC), decentralized (DD), and hybrid (CD). This study optim...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Xiaojing Liu, Wenyi Du, Toba Olasehinde, Yubing Fan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-06-01
Series:Sustainable Futures
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666188824002594
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Summary:In the competitive landscape of supply chains, the strategic configuration of manufacturers and retailers has a significant impact on overall performance. This study analyzes three competitive structures in supply chain systems: centralized (CC), decentralized (DD), and hybrid (CD). This study optimizes retail prices and reduces carbon emissions by considering consumer preferences for low-carbon products. In the first supply chain, intense competition leads retailers to adopt a hybrid structure (CD), even when consumers prioritize low-carbon products. Manufacturers similarly opt for a hybrid model to balance production costs and carbon emissions. In the second supply chain, retailers prefer decentralization (DD) when consumer preference for low-carbon products is minimal. However, high consumer preference for low-carbon products results in the adoption of a hybrid structure to enhance overall production efficiency. As consumer low-carbon preferences increase, manufacturers shift from a centralized structure (CC) to a hybrid structure (CD) and eventually revert to a centralized structure. Our findings suggest that aligning supply chain structures with consumer preferences and competitive dynamics is crucial for achieving sustainable and profit-maximizing outcomes. The hybrid model is identified as a practical approach that balances economic efficiency with environmental sustainability.
ISSN:2666-1888